Yesterday in Reynolds, I was involved with the funeral service of a life-long family friend--Mary Hally. As you might imagine, when I return to Reynolds, the place of my growing-up, for the funeral of one of those who helped to make Reynolds the town it was during those early years of my life, I also get to see friends from those days, who have returned for the funeral, as well.
Most of you have heard heard me speak about Hollis Goodre, the guy who was my best friend during those growing-up years. We literally spent most of our waking hours together and most of our sleeping hours (in a tent; we loved camping). When we graduated from Reynolds High School (1960), he went to Georgia Tech in Atlanta and I went to Asbury College in Kentucky and, obviously, our paths parted; however, our roots continued to run deeply in our hearts and souls.
Years later, Hollis retired from the Southern Company and now resides in the panhandle of Florida. Yesterday, however, brought us together (as have several other funerals over the years) and we were privileged to do something that we had never done before (not that I can remember)--we spoke from the pulpit at the Reynolds United Methodist Church, the church we attended when we were growing up. Although, the event had its sad moments, it was an incredible experience, one that neither of us will ever forget.
Anyway, I just wanted to remind you that true friends are very precious and Hollis and I continue to hold ours very close to our hearts. As I was speaking, I told the folks that I couldn't help but remember those days, when we were running around the church as children, and now, at 65, we were there together again--friends forever.
Some roots just run deeply!!
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